DOPF Mourns Uduaghan, Recalls His 2021 Lecture On Niger Delta Economy
THE Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF) has paid tribute to former Delta State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, recalling his contribution to the Forum’s Annual Lecture Series and his call for economic diversification in the Niger Delta.
In a condolence statement issued on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, and jointly signed by DOPF Chairman, Emmanuel Enebeli, and Secretary, Shedrack Onitsha, the Forum extended its sympathies to the Uduaghan family, describing his death as a loss to Delta State and the wider Niger Delta region.
DOPF highlighted Uduaghan’s participation in its third Annual Lecture Series in October 2021, when he delivered a lecture titled “Niger Delta Economy: Building a New Face for the Region.”
The lecture examined the need to diversify the region’s economy beyond crude oil and strengthen the foundations for sustainable development.
Uduaghan advocated investment in industrialisation, critical infrastructure and human capital development, while calling for an enabling environment that would attract businesses and investors to the region.
He also emphasised the importance of using oil revenues to develop other sectors of the economy and create sustainable opportunities for the people.
DOPF said his participation underscored the importance of engaging experienced public officeholders and other stakeholders in conversations about the Niger Delta’s economic challenges and development prospects.
The Forum noted that issues raised during the lecture, including economic diversification, employment, infrastructure and the effective use of natural resources, remain relevant to public debate across the region.
Beyond recalling the former governor’s contribution to its lecture series, the Forum reaffirmed the role of professional journalism in promoting informed public discourse, holding institutions accountable and sustaining attention on issues affecting the public.
It said responsible journalism remains important to discussions on governance, economic development and the search for practical solutions to the Niger Delta’s challenges.
Uduaghan served Delta State as Commissioner for Health from 1999 to 2003, Secretary to the State Government from 2003 to 2007, and Governor from 2007 to 2015.
He died on Monday, October 19, 2026, at the age of 71.
The Forum extended its condolences to his wife, Deaconess Roli Uduaghan; his children; the wider Uduaghan family; his political associates; and the people of Delta State, particularly the Itsekiri Nation.
It prayed that God would comfort the bereaved family and grant the late former governor eternal rest.
DOPF pledged to continue promoting responsible journalism and constructive public engagement on governance, accountability and sustainable development across Delta State and the Niger Delta.
